SIDE CURTAINS
SIDE CURTAINS The magazine of the
ROTORUA VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR CLUB
OCTOBER 2019
WE’RE NOW ON FACEBOOK ! www.rvvcc.org.nz
September Club Activities
SIDE CURTAINS - October 2019 The magazine of the ROTORUA VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR CLUB
Clubrooms: Neil Hunt Park, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua Postal: PO Box 2014, Rotorua Email: rotorua@vcc.org.nz Website: www.rotoruavintagecarclub.org.nz Vero Insurance: Phone 0800 658 411 and quote your VCC membership number Club Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of month (except January), 7.15pm for 7.30pm start OFFICERS
Chairperson - David Tomlinson Secretary - Dennis Whimp Ph 021 731 678 Treasurer - Terry Fitzpatrick Club Captain - vacant Asst. Club Captain - vacant Committee Bob Mackay Terry Wadsworth Ronald Mayes Kevin Scott Lois Thompson Neville Harper
CONTENTS Chairman’s Report From The Secretary Xmas Social 2019 September Club Run September Midweekers Spring Tour Update Upcoming Midweek Runs Events Calendar
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Mid Weekers - Bob Mackay Side Curtains Editor - David Tomlinson rvvcc.editor@gmail.com Beaded Wheels - Ronald Mayes Librarian - Dennis Kenny Asst Librarian - Roger Couchman Asst Librarian - John Kirkland Cards/Flowers - Doreen Green
Cover Photos Front - Des with other nonagenerians Back - Angie Brunton & Alex Tomlinson
CLUB CAR PHOTOS
If you want your club car photo on the clubroom wall then get in touch with Doug Green, and he will organise a time and place for a photo shoot. It would be good if we could have all member’s car photos on display. Side Curtains October 2019
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Chairman’s Report
- September 2019 by David Tomlinson
It is with sadness I had to report at our September club night that VCC Management Committee member Ed Boyd of Whanganui branch had passed away suddenly. Branch members who took part in the Spring Tour in 2017 will remember visiting Ed’s wonderful collection as part of that event, and indeed Ed helped organise much of the activities we undertook while in Whanganui. The planned car at our August club night was unavailable but thankfully Ronald Mayes had his Triumph 2500 in the carpark, so at the last minute we brought it inside and Ronald managed to cobble together a good talk on the car. September’s club run was a long run with a wee bit of competitive stuff, a museum visit, a café lunch and then we returned to the clubrooms to celebrate Des Brunton’s 90th birthday which was a day or two away (I would also like to acknowledge branch Life Member Myrtle Fleet also celebrated her 90th birthday the same week as Des). The event was well attended including some of our newer members and visitors in a 1930 Chevrolet coupe. The run went through the Waikato on rural roads to the east of Karapiro and ended up at a muscle car museum in Hautapu, followed by lunch in Cambridge. The museum was also being visited by two other car clubs, the Morris 8 Club and the Mercedes-Benz Club, so the car park was filled with lots of interesting cars to complement the cars and machinery we had come to see. The 175 tonne bulldozer looked like it would be a handful to operate. Most of the cars we saw dated from the 1960s to 1970s, and amongst all the Aussie and US brawn was an Aston Martin V8, a Bentley convertible and a motorbike powered by a helicopter turbine engine. Our October club run will be a picnic run, so bring along your lunch, folding chairs etc. Please don’t forget the Spring Tour, it will all be done and dusted before the next issue of Side Curtains. On 19th January 2020 we will have our Lakefront Car Show, planning and marketing for the event is underway, lets hope for good weather and 2
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aim for another growth in attendance. We might even top 350 next year. On the heels of the Citroen club’s 100th anniversary rally around NZ, followed by the Hudson/Essex club’s rally for Essex cars which are also 100 this year, the Bentley Drivers Club are doing a 3 week tour of both Islands starting in Auckland mid-October to celebrate that marque’s centenary. The convoy will pass through Rotorua briefly, probably late morning, on Monday October 14th. I have the good fortune to push my way in as they pass through and will take part in 3 days of the event. I will get to stay at the Chateau in the shadows of the snow, and then we will go over to Napier via the Gentle Annie on a long run for the day. Sadly I then have to return back to work and the real world as they continue on all the way to Invercargill then back up to finish in Ashburton. Lastly, the branch will hold an Xmas Social dinner on Saturday, November 23, similar to last year’s social. Please note that this dinner is FREE to all those volunteers who helped at this year’s Swap Meet. Further details for this great night out are later in this issue of Side Curtains.
Nonagenarian (other words 90-99)
by Adelai Skelton
September was the month for two of our members to celebrate their 90th birthdays. Myrtle Fleet, a Life Member of the VVCC, who with her now late husband Roy & few others were the original members for Rotorua. The meetings were held in Roy’s garage & Myrtle would make tea & scones for all. For several years she was custodian for our club rooms, while still participating in club rallies & social events, a consistent supporter. Des Brunton, another nonagenarian to celebrate his 90th birthday. Des became a member of the VVCC August 25 years ago, when joining he had a 1937 Morris 8. His first big rally was the year 2000 International Rally held in Hamilton, since then has done many miles on local & out of town Rallies. Two years ago having sold the Morris 8, now enjoys being a passenger in the 1964 Morris Minor Traveller “telling Angie where to go”. During this time Des also served on the VVCC committee for two years. Congratulations to you both on this wonderful 90th milestone. Side Curtains October 2019
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FROM THE SECRETARY by Dennis Whimp
Long-time Rotorua vintage car leaves the city
It was with a tear in the eyes and lumps in the throats as Reg and Annette Munro along with the family and neighbours saw the 1929 Austin 12/4 Burnham sedan depart in September to a new Austin register owner in Waipukurau. Reg had owned and rallied the vehicle all over the country for the past 52 years. He tells us his body is in nowhere as good a condition as the Austin which has meant he could no longer get under the vehicle and do all the maintenance items that regularly rallied vintage vehicles require. As well, he was finding when driving the Austin, the volume and speed of modern traffic on the State Highways out of Rotorua made driving no longer a pleasure. This car was unique in that it was here before our branch was formed, has attended most of our rallies since and been in the same ownership. Reg still has the Austin Healey Sprite. Interestingly, the 12/4 was only 38 years old when Reg purchased it, which today would be a vehicle made in 1981.
Support our Sponsors
The Sulphur City Rally had a good range of sponsors, especially for the prizes which kept the costs down. We need to keep supporting them where ever possible. A reminder. Our sponsors were BNZ, Repco, Helloworld, The Tool Shed, Kiwi Metal Polishers, Grundfos, Creative Stone, Pascoes and the major prize contributor, Mitre 10 Mega who were especially good this year.
Around the traps
Rocky Fiske has acquired the very nice red 1972 Triumph Mark IV Spitfire that had previously been owned by John and Adele Lamb. 4
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It is currently in the paint shop as the much earlier repaint had resulted in the topcoat bubbling. Kevin O’Conner is beavering away on his 1935 Buick series 40 limousine, currently constructing the seats using original style coil springs obtained from the Chch. parts shed. This car has a wonderful storey and Kevin is putting in a huge effort to get it back on the road. Andrew Batchelar last month had the beautifully restored 1930 model A roadster at the testing station going through the Vinning process. Unfortunately, a few minor issues prevented the registration, but hopefully those will be easily sorted and it will be on the road. Older members may remember this car as the tatty one that was in the Andrew’s father Tony’s garage before Tony passed away some 30 years ago. Tony would have been thrilled to see the result.
Charity Car Show
Sunday 20th October Westbrook Fields Carpark - 10am to 3pm. I get all sorts of rally and event publicity sheets from all around the country. Central North Island ones I normally put on the notice board. A new Rotorua event is put on by the Ford Enthusiasts NZ to raise money for the Ka Pai Kai charity. Open to all makes of cars. $5 per car. I will email the publicity sheet and put it on the notice board.
Welcome to new members
A big welcome to new members, James and Denise Burt who have a 1977 Triumph TC2500 sedan. I understand that they also have a keen interest in Lilliput caravans. Also to Geoff Nitz who retains a keen interest in old cars and has donated many of his workshop manuals to the branch. We look forward to seeing you at our meetings and events. Side Curtains October 2019
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XMAS SOCIAL DINNER NIGHT Saturday, November 23rd Clubrooms, 5.30pm for 6pm dinner 3 course dinner - BYO drinks Only $25 per person** for a night of great food and great company!
Please bring a $5 gift along to exchange and your sense of humour. Wear an item of Christmas clothing or jewellery ** FREE for those who volunteered at the Swap Meet Please advise Angie on 348 4546 or Dave on 027 412 8227 if you will attend so that catering numbers can be organised. 6
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September Club Run
by Carol Harper
After a wet Saturday we were pleased to wake to a dry spring day on Sunday 15th for the September run to the Ross Brother’s Muscle Car Garage at Hautapu. We met at the clubrooms at 9am for a briefing by Angie and collected our instructions before driving out to Ngongotaha where some additional members joined the run. We headed along Oturoa Road and then north on SH5 before turning eastward onto SH28. Driving north again we passed Okoroire, then along other rural roads and through the Whitehall area to arrive at Hautapu at around 11am. The elevation of some of these roads gave us stunning panoramic views over swathes of countryside. Good clear directions, with a few questions thrown in, made the run enjoyable and relaxed. Members of the Waikato Morris 8 Club joined us at the museum and we were welcomed by the caretaker, Nelson Eves. The Muscle Car Garage is a relatively new endeavour and is only three or four years old. Owned by brothers Mike, Tony, Tim and Simon Ross it is located on the Hannon Road site of their earthmoving business, C&R Developments. Near the entrance of the building was the front of a large truck, a Peterbilt, bursting out through the front wall several meters off the ground, very impressive. The museum vehicles and memorabilia are housed in one large building that has been divided into two spaces and there is also an outdoor collection of earthmoving machines. In the first part of the building there is a retro style diner with tables for visitors to use and an outstanding collection of muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s. Everything was presented Side Curtains October 2019
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in gleaming condition. Father of the brothers, the late Jim Ross, began the collection and two of his early vehicles, a Valiant and an Aston Martin were on display. The blue 1972 Aston Martin DBS had been fully reconditioned. Some vehicles such as the 1978 Plymouth Fury were on loan. The car is a genuine State Patrol Squad Car from Minnesota complete with all it’s original equipment, still in working order. The other part of the building had a variety of vehicles. At one end was a replica old time service station with a little old International truck in the doorway. However the star of the show was an enormous 1995 Komatsu 575A-2 Super Dozer/ Super Ripper nicknamed the “Neighbourhood Bully”. It’s weight of 175 tons is equivalent to about 70 times the weight of Neville’s Studebaker President. Made in the USA it was originally used in the north Queensland coalfields then brought to NZ and used at the Stockton coal mine on the West Coast until it was retired from service. More earthmoving machines were displayed outside including a collection of vintage earth moving bulldozers from the WWII era. After leaving the museum we drove south to Cambridge for a very nice lunch at Good Union. Then back to the Rotorua clubrooms for a lovely afternoon tea and chocolate birthday cake to celebrate Des’ 90th Birthday - the first of the scheduled birthday celebrations for that week. Our group for the run included several new faces and it was a very enjoyable and full day. Didn’t need dinner when we got home! Thanks very much to Angie and her crew for organising such a great day. 8
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September Midweekers
by Bob Mackay
A smaller group than usual met at the club rooms for morning tea before driving via Te Puke to the Classic Flyers cafĂŠ at Mt Maunganui for lunch, where there was some disappointment with the service. They seemed to forget the last four meals and with no apology it was disappointing. Following lunch we visited the aviation museum and were fortunate enough to be given a guided tour of the restoration workshop where the volunteers were rebuilding a number of aircraft. Some will never fly again even though the engines have been rebuilt and running.
Ports of Tauranga proposal to visit Mid week run January 2020 In January the Ports of Tauranga will be hosting visitors to visit and view their operation, escorting visitors in their bus. We would drive to Mt Maunganui where we then transfer to their bus. These visits have to fit into their security arrangements and port movements we may therefore have to alter our normal day and week. They will require a reasonably accurate estimate of the number attending, the sooner that we can supply that information the more likely that we can complete an arrangement that suits. I would hope that we can arrange this visit during the last two weeks of January. If you are interested please e-mail me with your name and phone number and number of people wishing to attend. Bob Mackay ( bobmackaynz@gmail.com ) Side Curtains October 2019
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Spring Tour Update (Nov 5-7) by Rocky Fiske This years spring tour will be 2 nights/3days to New Plymouth on the1st night, then the 2nd night will be Hangatiki/Waitomo. First day we will meet at the Dam Café,Whakamaru, 10am for morning tea and briefing. Then travel to NewPlymouth staying at “Amber Court Motel”. Second day will be the Feature of the Tour the “Holden Museum” in New Plymouth which we have booked for Wednesday 6th November. We drive back to Waitomo that same day and stay at the “Caves Motor Inn”. Both evening meals have been arranged. On the third day in the morning following the morning tea stop we will visit a large collection of rare cars at 10.30am in the Te Awamutu area this will be followed by lunch at a country cafe where the tour will end. Members are welcome to join or leave the tour at any stage. The collection in Te Awamutu is well worth a visit if you wish to join us just for that day from Rotorua. Please let us know if you intend doing so. We have 10 cars booked so all the reserve rooms have been taken however there could still be rooms available. Accommodation has been reserved with a limited number of rooms at: “Amber Court Motel” NewPlymouth at $120 for a studio. Ph 0800 654 800 Please quote Rotorua Vintage Car Club reservation number 80942. Second Night booking is “Caves Motor Inn” also at $120 for a studio once again please quote Rotorua Vintage Car Club. Ph 07 8738109 You will need to give credit card details to secure bookings, payment is required on arrival at both motels. (payment can be made by cash or eftpos payment by credit card at caves motor inn will incur a 2% fee) We look forward to your company on this tour. Please advise us when you have made your bookings Ph Rocky 021446486 or Rebecca 02102867827 email: rockyfiske26@gmail.com
Free (lunch included) Road Safety updates for over-65s!
Revise the road rules and keep driving safely. Wednesday 23 October and Thursday 14 November, 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Parksyde Community Centre, Tarewa Place. Phone the Council on 348 4199 to register.
Club Run results for September 1st Equal: Terry Wadsworth and Chrissy Cooper, Pat Burr and Shona Wickham, 3rd: Ronald and Gloria Mayes. Answers will be given out at the October club night. 10
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CLUB NIGHT - October 9th Neil Hunt Park - 7.30pm Car In The Room: 1991 Jaguar XJS 4.0 Followed by tea, coffee and biscuits.
Upcoming Midweek Runs
by Bob Mackay
September Midweekers - 23rd October 2019 Meet at the club rooms at 10am for morning tea. We will then take a drive (approx 60km) to the end of a country road before lunch as the guests of Michael Thorne at the Waitete Holiday Park in Ngongotaha.
September Club Run Sunday October 13th
by Bob Mackay
Meet at Club Rooms 10am for morning tea (we will leave the club rooms at 10.30am). Bring your chairs, tables, thermos and a picnic lunch. This is everyones chance to experience a midweek style run. We will take a scenic drive with a few questions on the way to a picnic spot (or to a shed if the weather so dictates). Following lunch we will visit a 1935 Buick under restoration in a members shed. Side Curtains October 2019
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www.rotoruavintagecarclub.org.nz The branch website aims to meet the needs of our members, to promote our branch nationally, and to potential new members. If you have any suggestions please contact David Tomlinson. Please also make sure you “Like” our Facebook page to keep up to date.
Contributions to Side Curtains This is your magazine! Please feel free to share anything you think might be of interest to the membership by sending it to the editor, preferably by email, and a picture says a thousand words, so include photos where possible. Members taking part in club runs or events hosted by other branches are encouraged to pen a short piece about their experience to include in the next issue going to print. All items to the editor by the end of the month. 12
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September Club Night
Hongi’s Track - Rotoiti
Following last month’s photo, here is another taken around 1940
September Club Run